Gardens of Noor Cemetery Collection
Biological Resources and Oak Woodland
Oak woodland, special-status species, historical CDFW comments, and the timing of later biological surveys.
Executive summary
The 2022 record shows that biological constraints were identified early. Moore Biological Consultants mapped oak woodland, chaparral, and ruderal grassland on the site. CDFW later requested careful treatment of oak woodland and special-status species, including potentially suitable Ione manzanita habitat.
SourceJuly 21, 2022 TAC packet
The packet includes the Moore Biological oak-woodland review and agency comments.
Oak woodland
The Moore report describes substantial oak woodland on the parcel and contemplated future cemetery phases potentially extending into woodland areas. Historical CDFW comments asked that later environmental analysis evaluate direct, indirect, and cumulative oak-woodland impacts and use avoidance/mitigation as appropriate.
SourceJuly 21, 2022 TAC packet
Historical technical and agency records are contained in the County TAC packet.
Special-status species and timing
The work-in-progress CEQA Initial Study identifies potential habitat for multiple special-status species and includes BIO-1 requiring a Biological Resource Analysis before ground disturbance. The draft condition says the site plan may then be modified as necessary. That creates a sequencing question: how much species-specific information should be resolved before the County reaches its environmental conclusion, versus later through implementation conditions?
SourceWork-in-progress CEQA Initial Study
BIO-1 requires a later Biological Resource Analysis before ground-disturbing activity.
Open question
Will a project-specific biological/rare-plant survey be completed before final environmental action, especially given the earlier CDFW comments?